The Liberal Democrats appeared to be disarray in the wake of the Autumn Statement after Nick Clegg boycotted the announcement and two of the party's most senior ministers clashed over the plans in a Cabinet meeting.

Mr Clegg deliberately stayed away from the Commons during the Autumn Statement because he no longer wants to be seen sitting next to David Cameron in Parliament.

The Deputy Prime Minister boycotted one of the most important events in the Parliamentary calendar, instead travelling to Cornwall to speak with voters.

The news came as it emerged that his two most senior Liberal Democrat colleagues had clashed in a Cab meeting on the morning of the Autumn statement.

Vince Cable, the Business secretary, is understood to have “erupted” at Danny Alexander, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, over the Lib Dems’ backing for public spending cuts.